St Benet Biscop students share love of books at nursery

It was storytime at a Bedlington nursery when sixth formers from St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy visited to help inspire a love of books in some of the community’s youngest members.

The ten Year 12 and 13 Social Sciences students joined the staff at Little Angels Nursery as part of their studies in Health and Social Care, Early Childhood Development, and Psychology, and spent time reading to the children, as well as observing other activities.

“I networked with the manager and Senior Early Years Teacher to seek work experience for some of the students who wish to work within childcare or primary education in the future,” said St Benet Biscop Social Sciences Lead, Natalie Jewitt, who organised the visit.

“The purpose was enrichment – to give our students opportunities to read to and inspire young children aged 0 to 5 to have a love of reading. It was to raise awareness of the importance of reading, while allowing students interested in careers working with children to gain hands-on early years experience, and was a community collaboration of our eldest students in Bedlington working with our youngest members of the community.”

It was the first time the outreach event had taken place.

“It was lovely to see how advanced the toddlers in the baby room were with their fine and gross motor skills – they were really independent in their play skills,” said student Ruby, while classmate Tilly said: “I enjoyed seeing the social confidence such young children had to interact with us after just one morning together.”

“It was wonderful to see the sixth-form students as professional young adults in a working environment,” added Mrs Jewitt.

“Students showed great respect to the children they were working with, acting as role models for the love of reading.

“They had a nurturing way when playing with the children also. They were great ambassadors of St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy.”